Vitamin D is a source of strength

Some people may overlook the power of vitamin D, especially in the context of physical strength and endurance.

This oversight could lead to cases of deficiency. According to a 2011 brief by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, between 2001 and 2006, about 8 percent of the American population was in danger of having a vitamin D deficiency.

Recent studies suggest that for those, including athletes, who want to maintain both muscle and bone strength, vitamin D may be essential.

New research for vitamin D
The consequences of a lack of vitamin D show its potential power as a supplement. For example, a study recently found that those with a vitamin D deficiency may experience physical fatigue.

Researchers from Newcastle University studied individuals with vitamin D deficiencies after they performed leg exercises, analyzing their phosphocoreatine recovery. Phosphocoreatine is an energy source in muscles: The scientists wanted to discover how quickly it is replenished following muscle use.

After studying the patients in their deficient state, researchers treated them with vitamin D supplements. Once they took the vitamin dose, patients had significantly better phosphocoreatine recovery. Additionally, patients felt less fatigued after the supplementation.

“Patients with vitamin D deficiency often experience symptoms of muscle fatigue. Our findings in a small group of patients with very low vitamin D levels show that muscle efficiency significantly improves when vitamin D status is improved,” Akash Sinha, M.D., leader of the study, said, reported by the news source.

Those looking for increased muscle strength might take heed of these findings and implement vitamin D to stay in shape.

Vitamin D is essential in athletics
A recent Miami Herald article cited the importance of vitamin D on the sports scene.

Following the Florida Panthers, the news source explains that many players with muscle or bone injury did not have a full recovery, or else experienced reinjury. The team doctors overseeing these injuries believe the underlying problem for these athletes may be vitamin D deficiency.

“Five years ago if you went to a sports medicine meeting you wouldn’t hear anything about vitamin D. But recently there’s been a lot of attention on how it relates to muscle and bone health and healing,” said Gautam Yagnik, M.D. one of the doctors for the Panthers, as reported by the Herald.

By upping the use of vitamin D, as emphasized by recent studies, the athletic world may see fewer injuries and better recoveries.